PRIME MINISTER HARPER MEETS WITH KOREAN-CANADIAN COMMUNITY LEADERS

March 07, 2008

Toronto, ON – Prime Minister Stephen Harper held a roundtable meeting with leaders of the Korean community today to discuss issues of importance to Canadians of Korean descent. The discussion spanned a wide range of domestic and foreign policy matters, from seniors’ issues to the proposed Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

“The Korean community is relatively new in Canada. Few communities have settled as quickly and successfully into Canadian life as Koreans,” said the Prime Minister. “Canadians of Korean heritage work hard, take care of their families and contribute to Canada in a positive way.”

Prime Minister Harper also noted that ties between Canada and Korea are growing stronger, citing ongoing negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement. “Free trade with Korea will create tremendous business opportunities not just for Canadians of Korean heritage, but indeed for all Canadians,” he noted.

The Prime Minister also listened to the views of community leaders on the security situation in the Korean peninsula. “Korean Canadians are playing an important role in engaging North Korea. I know we all hope that someday Korea will be reunited as a free and democratic society,” concluded the Prime Minister.